Why Death Metal fans hate the Loudness Wars

At first sight there’s something deliciously ironic about the fact that fans of Heavy Metal music – in particular the “Death” and “Thrash” varieties – are the ones who complain most bitterly about the loudness wars.

Most notable of course is Metallica’s infamous Death Magnetic, but consistently I see more and more comments by fans of the loudest, most aggressive styles of music who hate the damage done by excessive compression and brick-wall limiting.

But why is this ? These people are all deaf to begin with from attending too many loud gigs and constant head-banging, right !?!

Well, no. In fact, when you think about it, it makes perfect sense, because without quiet, there can be no loud. And the whole point about metal is that it should be played – and listened to – loud. (Well, one of the points, anyway !)

But a recording that has no dynamic contrast left in it doesn’t sound loud (ie. punchy, hard-hitting, aggressive) when it’s been crushed to death – it just sounds “wimpy loud” instead.

I didn’t make the video above, but it illustrates the point perfectly, and proves yet again that there’s more to metal (and metal fans) than just moshing and \m/ emoticons.

Hats off to them, and let’s hope the bands, labels and producers are listening…

(And, if you’re making music and want to know how to make your recordings sound loud without crushing it to death, click here.)

Comments

Look up “Iron Maiden – Fighting the loudness war” on YouTube; this video gives an absolutely perfect ‘thru the years’ comparison of how their music fell prey to the loudness war, and their counter-attack to regain the dynamic range in their recordings. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!! It’s kinda long, but watch the whole vid, the difference is so strong, night and day. It’s good to see bands are taking this seriously.

I’m on the fence. I’m always pleased when bands take action on this, but Maiden’s approach seems to be throwing the baby out with the bathwater by mastering their own stuff. I and my old colleague Simon Murphy, who is a big Maiden fan, both think we could have mastered their last couple of albums to sound better than they did…

Certainly, your point is valid, and I defer to your professional opinion. I am less than amateur in this arena, I was merely pointing out the vast difference in dynamic range lost and regained. Nice baby analogy, that was good. =)